Navistar workers want fair wages for all workers

HAMILTON, ON, Oct. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Workers at Navistar Canada Inc. say they are determined to address an unfair wage structure at their workplace.

Members of Unifor Local 504, on strike since September 29, are seeking wage parity by proposing to eliminate a two-tier wage structure. At the same time, they are also refusing a company demand to implement a third tier of wages for new hires.

Navistar is a parts distribution centre in Hannon, Ontario with approximately 30 unionized employees. "The two tier wage structure is unfair and Navistar needs to recognize this. In addition, the vast majority of our members have not had a wage increase in eleven years," said Dave Reston, President of Local 504. "We need to sit down at the table and find a way to ensure our members are treated fairly."

In 2012, the union agreed to extend the collective agreement by 18 months to provide the stability the company needed to re-locate from Burlington to its current location in Hannon.

"We have demonstrated that we are willing to work with Navistar to ensure the company's short-term stability and long-term success. What we are asking for today is fair and reasonable," stressed Reston.

Navistar Canada Inc., formerly International Truck and Engine Corporation, is the distribution facility that serve as the parts distribution centre for eastern Canada to support International® and IC Bus™ vehicles, MaxxForce® diesel engines and all makes of commercial trucks.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.

SOURCE: Unifor

For more information, please contact Unifor Communications Director, Sarah Blackstock, at [email protected] or 416-949-1072.